The latest film by Mani Ratnam, Ponniyin Selvan I, was released on Friday and features Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vikram, Karthi, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Shobhita Dhulipala, and Jayam Ravi in prominent characters. The story takes place during the Chola dynasty’s actual rule and covers the sociopolitical climate in India in the 10th century.

The feminine figures in the movie have their own thoughts and the plot actively leverages their intelligence; they are not just props to forward the men’s stories. The guys surrounding Nandini and Kundavai frequently treat them as equals because of their active participation in politics. There are many people who are afraid of Nandini’s cunning and intelligence, but Kundavai’s father Sundara Chola gladly depends on her to come up with plans to save the kingdom, just as much as he relies on the sons to defend it during conflicts.

Nandini dominates several scenes, standing over everyone else. Everyone just talks about her, even when she isn’t present. From the courtroom to the battlefield to the bedroom, she has impact in all three. Her very word causes instability in a situation when everyone anticipates her to be sitting in the palanquin, overseeing a revolt. In addition, her gullible husband Parvateshwar could not have accomplished half of what he did without her political struggles and cunning.

The movie tells the tale of a soldier who risks his life to protect the king and his crown prince (Karthi as Vallavaraiyan Vanthiyathevan). Women play a significant role in his quest, but they also act as the movie’s saving grace.